31. Chapter 31
It’s been months now since my life was thrown into a whirlwind, and somehow, we’ve all managed to get most of our shit together. That is until my greatest fear comes true. All three of my guys will be away from home simultaneously. Foster is leaving today for a visit with his family. I insisted he couldn’t lose his relationship with his parents, and he finally caved. I hope they see his happiness and make peace with our makeshift family for his sake, not mine.
Talon has been gone for a week, officially kicking off his US tour. He made it clear to Vic that he wouldn’t be away from me for more than two weeks at a time. One more week on the road, then he’ll be back just in time for Christmas. We’ve been working out the best times for me to visit him. He’s already working on new songs for his next album.
Cole left yesterday for a long stretch of away games. The Ice Dragons are leading their division so far this season, and he’s having one of his best seasons in the league. He’ll be back for a holiday break to see his son and spend time with us as a family.
Connor is growing so much. His chubby cheeks and big eyes melt me every time I see him. He looks so much like his dad. Sometimes, when I see him, I still get a little sad, missing the son I lost, but more often now, I feel like this sunshine of a baby has healed me just by being his loving self. It hasn’t been easy, but slowly, a bond has formed. And Hannah has a new boyfriend, so she’s over trying to make Cole hers.
While I’m lost in my thoughts, Foster comes down the stairs carrying his suitcase. We meet in the foyer. When he sees the worry on my face, he drops the luggage and pulls me into his arms, “I’ll stay home. Just say the word.”
“No, you need to go, and I need to get over this fear. I’ll be okay.”
He pulls away and looks down into my face. “Are you sure?”
“Yes, is your car here?”
“Ten minutes away. I can’t leave you like this. You’re killing me, beautiful.”
I can handle this. I’ve been through worse. I take a deep breath and slowly say, “I’m sorry.”
“No need to apologize for missing me too much.” He holds his pinkie out to me, and I look at him confusedly, “Pinkie swear.”
Diffusing my emotions as only Foster can, I’m now laughing instead of crying. I wrap my small finger around his. “I pinkie swear that I love you, and I will be back home in one week, or else you get to break this finger.”
I nod and release his hand to go into his arms and absorb his strength before he leaves. He swoops me in and kisses my lips like he’ll die without me. While we’re kissing, his phone chimes. “Car’s here. Be good and don’t forget to call. I want some of that sexy Facetime stuff that Cole got.”
And then he’s out the door, leaving me alone in this big quiet house. My phone rings, and I answer without looking.
“Hey, Kitten, are you okay?” Talon asks.
“Yeah…he left,” I whimper.
“I know. I watched on the cameras.”
I shake off my emotions, focusing on talking to Talon, “I’ll be fine. What are you up to today?”
“I have a sound check in fifteen, then a break before tonights concert. The fans are loving the music. Are you going to watch it? I’m making a change to the set list tonight.”
“Yeah, I’ll catch the live stream. Cole doesn’t have a game tonight, so I’m all yours.”
“Great, gotta go. Love you.”
“Love you too.”
As soon as I end the call my phone rings again. This time, it’s Cole.
“Hey baby,” I answer with a smile.
“How are you doing? I saw Foster leave and wanted to check in.”
I laugh, “I okay. I just got off the phone with Talon, who was doing the same thing. Are you able to watch his show tonight? I sent you the link.”
“I’m going to try. I’m having dinner with some teammates, but I’ll do my best to get back to my room in time. Want to watch together?”
“Sounds great.”
“Good. I’m off to workouts. I love you, Bumblebee.”
“I love you more.”
As I hang up, I’m smiling. My fears have been smoothed over.
I pace the living room of my moms house, sure that Im leaving a path in the carpet. The guys aren’t going to be home like they’re supposed to be.
There are delays with the weather. You cant hold that against them. Theyre trying to get home to you, Mom says, trying to calm me down.
All the guys should have been back home by now. We only had a few days to spend together for the holidays, and I was looking forward to them. Now, a snowstorm has hit, coincidentally delaying all their flights. My abandonment issues are having a hard time dealing with this development.
Its not even snowing that hard outside, I say, resuming my pacing.
When are they getting home now?” she asks me.
Sometime tomorrow, I hope. I dont want our Christmas to be ruined. We have Connor for a few hours.
It wont be ruined, Im sure. Why dont you stay here tonight so you dont have to drive in the storm? I know you dont want to stay in that big house alone for another night. Stacy wont mind if you use Coles room, and who knows when shell be back from Gregs. We have enough supplies to bake for hours.
I was poised to argue, but shed roped me in with the baking. I have so many fond memories of us baking together before the holidays, and I need stress relief.
What are we making? I ask her, and she smiles brightly at me.
Sugar cookies, brownies, an eclair cake, maybe more.
Then we’d better get to it.
By the time were done, well into the night, Im exhausted. My feet are killing me when I finally settle into Coles old bed in the room that was recently my sanctuary after running away from the guys. I turn off the lamp and lie down, but my mind isnt tired enough to sleep, so I pull out my phone and browse social media. Foster must see me online because he calls me.
Hi, pretty girl. I miss you so much, he says when I answer.
I miss you too. Are you sure youll be here in the morning?
Yep, I got the first flight out. Its a short flight, so Ill be home before you wake up.
The other guys said that theyll be home early too.
I know, weve talked. We all cant wait to see you and spend Christmas together. Im sorry it hasnt been how we expected.
Its okay, just as long as we can be together soon. Are you stuck sleeping in the airport tonight?
No, theres a hotel connected to the airport. I was able to get a room for the night. Id rather be in my bed, though, with you. I cant wait to eat all the sweets youve been sending me photos of. They look delicious.
They are pretty yummy, but probably not good for the strict diets you all are on.
Holiday calories dont count, you know that. Why arent you in bed yet?
Im in bed but cant fall asleep. My body is dead, but my brain is too alive. Why arent you?
I hoped Id chat with you before I went to sleep. Maybe I can get one of those sexy video calls.
Yeah, not happening. Im not defiling Coles childhood room like that.
Foster snorts, Like you didnt defile that bed when we were horny teenagers.
I fake a gasp, Foster.
He chuckles, Fine, I guess I understand. I will go to sleep now, and you should do the same. Ill see you soon. I promise.
Goodnight. Sweet dreams.
Only if theyre of you, pretty girl. I love you.
I roll my eyes at his cheesiness but also swoon a little. I love you too.
I end the call with the biggest smile, confident everything will be good tomorrow.